The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, June 18, 2015 | 10 Police can connect seniors in need with appropriate support Thank you to our sponsors for bringing this free, family fun event to our community. We couldn't do it without your generous support. continued from p.1 "Elder abuse is way underreported because of the isolation of older people and the shame that it probably is a loved one or a family member that is doing this." While there is no single cause of elder abuse, police said, some of the factors that can lead to it include: a history of abuse in the family; financial, housing or chronic health problems; alcohol or drug dependency; mental illness; and social or personal attitudes toward the elderly. Difficulty coping Elder abuse could also be the result of a caregiver having difficulty coping with their responsibilities, particularly when they have limited support or respite. In an effort to prevent elder abuse, Clarke holds about 100 presentations a year at seniors centres, retirement homes, churches and other locations on how seniors can avoid becoming the victims of abuse. "We tell people that if they are picking a power of attorney, to pick someone they trust. That trust can change and if it does and they feel something funny is going on, they need to revoke it and appoint someone else," said Clarke. Anonymous tips helpful Police also make use of anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Halton to locate and assist potential victims of elder abuse. "We've had quite a few We've had quite a few Crime Stoppers tips this year where we have gone out and investigated and there would be neglect or something going on. It might not warrant charges, but we definitely get services in to help the situation. That is a lot of what we do. We go in and there are no charges laid, but we get other services involved, which then support the older person, or even the abuser, depending on what they need. Halton Regional Police Service Constable Nadine Clarke Crime Stoppers tips this year where we have gone out and investigated and there would be neglect or something going on," said Clarke. "It might not warrant charges, but we definitely get services in to help the situation. That is a lot of what we do. We go in and there are no charges laid, but we get other services involved, which then support the older person or even the abuser, depending on what they need." Signs of elder abuse Police said signs of elder abuse can include: · unexplained injuries; · fear or uneasiness; · depression; · withdrawal or passivity; · poor hygiene; · poor nutrition; · missing personal belongings; lack of food, clothing or other necessities; · unusual bank withdrawals; Proudly Supported By · and unusual legal activity related to wills or other documents. Halton police are joining registered nurses and other community organizations in hosting a special event for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day today (June 18). The event is being held at Halton Region Auditorium at 1151 Bronte Rd., from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Residents with elder abuse concerns can contact Clarke at 905-825-4747 ext. 5345 or Nadine.Clarke@haltonpolice. ca. They can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477) or the Elder Abuse Prevention Committee of Halton at 1-866-442-5866. Another resource is the Halton Seniors Helpline at 1-866-457-8252. In the event of an emergency, contact the Halton Regional Police Service through 911. JOIN US FOR FATHER'S DAY! ENVIRONMENTAL Inc. IC LIVE MUSights n y Saturda nday and Su ns afternoo ABBEY ARMS 481 North Service Rd. @ 4th Line Oakville 905-825-1109 Visit www.abbeyarmspub.ca to see our menu Mention th is ad to get 10% off yo ur food order